There is much to report from St Vincent’s Chaplaincy as the heat of the summer continues and the wedding blessing season is in full swing.
Our loss of my colleague Fr Haynes Hubbard, a few weeks ago, back to his homeland of Canada is, of course, a blow to us but we welcome Fr John Wilson to hold the fort in Luz until a replacement is licensed.
Fr John is an old friend to us and we welcome his ministry amongst us. In addition, Maureen Kyle of our Central congregation was re-licensed as a Reader (Lay Minister) back in July and her experience and support are great assets to the team.
Another change is a move of worship base in Tavira. We have been delighted to have worshipped now for over two years at the small chapel of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, in the grounds of the Vila Gale Albacora, and are most grateful to Bruno Martins and his staff for their hospitality during that time. But as the hotel makes its plans again for winter closing, so we move (with thanks to Bp Manuel and Padre Flávio) from September 9 to Capela de Nossa Senhora do Livramento in the old town, between the town centre and the Gran Plaza Shopping Centre.
We will continue to meet at 6pm on the second Sunday of each month and hope that our new venue will appeal and the congregation continue to grow so that we can perhaps consider other services here.
Another plus is that our Children’s Church at St Luke’s in the east of our area continues and has just celebrated its first anniversary. We meet just once a month at present, on the last Sunday of each month as our Sunday service commences at 11.30am. All young folk are welcome and we hope for more in the future.
We are not as mature a group as the Kid’s Club based at our church in Luz, but we are determined and hope that you will give me a call on 289 366 760 if you would like to know more.
The children are currently working on their contribution to the St Luke’s Harvest Service, which this year will be a ‘Songs of Harvest Praise’ at 4pm on September 30, followed by Harvest Supper – again I can tell you more if you phone or email on [email protected].
So as I opened, there is much to report from St Vincent’s, the Church of England in the Algarve, if you would like to be a part of it. Please join us as all are welcome.
